Protests in Switzerland have escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and police, particularly in Zurich and Basel. Hundreds of people gathered in Zurich around 10:30 PM, some wearing Halloween masks, and marched towards Helvetiaplatz, located just a few hundred meters from the main train station, amid sounds of fireworks and flares.
As the situation intensified at Helvetiaplatz, demonstrators vandalized a bus stop shelter and set fire to barricades made of trash bins, bicycles, and other items. Protesters threw fireworks, bottles, and rocks at the police, resulting in injuries among both parties.
Law enforcement responded with water cannons and rubber bullets, trying to disperse the crowd as clashes persisted until approximately 1:30 AM.
In Basel, around 150 individuals assembled in the city center around 9:00 PM. When they reached the historic St. Johann district, they also set fire to barricades created from trash bins and metal barriers, prompting police intervention.
Context
- On October 31, protests addressing social issues, housing conditions, and educational system problems occurred in various countries, including France, Albania, Portugal, and Germany, leading to confrontations with police. Protesters threw stones and firecrackers at law enforcement, who responded with water cannons and tear gas.
- Protests in France began in September with high school students voicing complaints over the poor state of education, eventually escalating into widespread unrest.
